He had kicked his addictions and was enjoying a happy, healthy, drug-free life, surrounded by his loving family.

But just months after Phil Little’s loved ones suspected he had turned back to heroin, he was found dead in a recycling bin.

How the 31-year-old came to pass away behind a block of shops at Northumberland Park, in Shiremoor, is unknown as Phil’s family await the results of the toxicology and tissue tests they hope will confirm why he died.

And today his heartbroken mum Lucy Simpson has told of her loss.

The 58-year-old from Tynemouth said: “He was such a soft-hearted kind lad. He told us every day that he loved us and how lucky he was to have a mum like me.

“He struggled with addiction for about 15 years but he had been clean for three years. He had done so well and was really happy but he just relapsed recently.”

Phil spent his early childhood in Saudi Arabia where his father was working before returning to the family’s native Tyneside where he went to Killingworth Middle School and George Stephenson High School, before completing his education at North Shields’ Marden High School.

Northumberland Retail Park in Shiremoor

But it was after leaving school that Phil’s life took a turn for the worse, his mum said.

Despite being a bright and practical lad, he struggled academically and fell in with the wrong crowds at school.

Phil began using cannabis in his teens, which made it difficult for him to hold down a job.

And over the years he moved on to harder drugs and became hooked on heroin.

Yet despite his addiction, Phil was always a kind loving son and brother.

“He had never had a fight in his life,” said Lucy. “He was soft as muck. he just had a lovely nature and was very family orientated.”

Around three years ago Phil was the victim of a violent hammer attack on Gateshead High Street , during which he suffered serious head injuries.

Although his attackers were never caught, Lucy believes the assault was linked to her son’s drugs use, and gave him the motivation he needed to get clean.

As he recovered from his injuries, Phil turned his back on heroin and began to get his life on track.

He moved in with his brother David, 35, in a flat in Killingworth, and became a carer for his grandad.

And as his health improved Phil was able to indulge in his passion for motorbikes and would go for long rides with a friend.

“Two years ago he had a lovely holiday in Egypt with his dad and his brother,” said Lucy. “David said that was the happiest he’s ever been. He was clean and healthy and was just relaxing with them.”

But it was when Phil suddenly sold his beloved bike several months ago that his family began to suspect his drugs demons had returned.

“A few months ago he admitted he had a problem,” said Lucy. “We got him back on a methadone programme.

“He was always happy when he was around his family. He was always the clown who was entertaining people and always had a smile on his face, trying to make people laugh all the time. But underneath he really was struggling.”

“They all loved their brother so much,” said Lucy. “His brothers and sister are just absolutely destroyed.”

“It’s not just families where kids are dragged up that this can happen to. Phil was a beautiful little boy, he went to good schools and had a loving family and parents.

“He wasn’t academically brilliant but he was a bright lad and could do different things like fix a plug or a washing machine. He just really struggled after school to get the job he wanted and it was just a downward spiral.”

Phil’s body was found shortly after 8am on Sunday.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said officers do not believe there was anyone else involved.

She said: “At 8.17am on Sunday police were called to Earsdon Road in Shiremoor following reports of a body being found in a recycling bin.

“Officers attended and the body of a 31-year-old man was recovered from the bin. Enquiries are ongoing into the death, but there’s not believed to be any third party involvement and a report is being prepared for the coroner.”